Craig Levein signs contract extension

Published on Tuesday 2 December 2008 13:40

Dundee United manager Craig Levein has signed a three-year contract extension.

The new deal sees him remain at Tannadice until the end of May 2012 after two successful years at the Tayside club.

Assistant manager Peter Houston and reserve-team coach Gary Kirk have also signed similar contract extensions.

Levein has transformed the fortunes of United since his arrival in October 2006.

At that point, the club were languishing at the bottom of the table but enjoyed a top-six finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and a Co-operative Insurance Cup final appearance last season.

Chairman Stephen Thompson revealed that securing Levein on a longer-term contract was his priority when he assumed control of the club following the death of his father, Eddie Thompson.

And Levein revealed he was more than happy to pledge his future to the Tangerines.

"I thoroughly enjoy working at this club and I'm genuinely excited about the future prospects for the squad of players we now have," he said.

"I also have a great relationship with the supporters and the board.

"So when Stephen first raised the matter of extending my stay, it really didn't take long to consult with my family and decide to accept the offer.

"I am therefore delighted to confirm that myself, Peter and Gary have signed contract extensions to May 2012 and that I'm looking forward to continuing to work closely with Stephen and the rest of the board for the betterment of Dundee United."

Contract talks were put on hold as a result of Eddie Thompson's battle with cancer.

But, following his death in October, his son, Stephen Thompson, felt the time was right to push the club forward by securing Levein on a new deal.

"I have been working closely with Craig on a number of important football related issues for some months now," said Thompson.

"But I always knew my main priority was to ensure that we secured his services for a longer term.

"We began discussions some time ago and while it was clear at an early stage that the outcome of these would be positive, neither of us thought that it was appropriate to continue these discussions or make any announcements while my father was so seriously ill.

"However, we both now think that the time is right to move forward and I'm absolutely delighted to announce that Craig and his management team have extended their stay at Dundee United for a further period."